By Tyne-Talk
January 24 2008

Kevin Keegan has been quoted today suggesting that securing Steven Taylor's future at Newcastle United is NOT his top prioirty. The newly appointed manager has however indicated that he will not be entering negotations just yet but that he looks forward to working with Taylor on a long term basis.

Taylor, 22, rejected an offer of a 5 year deal back in September talks subsequently broke down. It is understood that Taylor is on less than £10,000 per week, pennies to the Premierships top players and his contract is due to expire next year.

His father Alf Taylor said at the time:

"I only hope that they are not trying to force Steven out.

Newcastle is the only club he wants to play for, but he is most disappointed at what they are offering him.

Fans seeing the likes of Albert Luque and Jean-Alain Boumsong coming into the club with massive wages must think Steven is also on big bucks, but that is not the case.

He is not playing for Newcastle for the money, but because he loves football and the club.

But having said that, it is a short career and the financial aspect is still important.

Fortunately, while he is disappointed, Steven has never - nor ever will - let it affect his performance on the field.

He is a local lad who only wants to play for his local team.

But perhaps that is why his contract offer is not in the same category as those players who are coming in from all over the place."

As a result many teams including Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham were linked with a move to tear him away from his hometown.

Fans had hoped that Keegan would secure Taylors future sooner rather than later. He said of the situation:

"Anything like that won't even be considered by myself for a while and that's no disrespect to any players who have contract problems,

I have other priorities, but I'm sure we can sort it out. I like Steven Taylor - I think he's got leadership qualities in the making.

There's not a lot of experience at the back, apart from Shay Given in goal. On the right, there's Stephen Carr, but elsewhere there are players who are still learning The Premiership.

But I thought Taylor was tremendous against Bolton last weekend, and I've been very impressed with him every time I've seen him play for a long time now.''

Keegan:Taylor Talks Not Priority

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 24/01/2008 22:05

TyneTalk
24/01/2008 22:05

Keegan:Taylor Talks Not Priority

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